Top Indian Automobile Industry News & Updates - 17 April 2025,Thursday

🏢 Industry

BluSmart halts services amid financial trouble
Ride-hailing platform BluSmart, has abruptly halted new bookings in key parts of Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, triggering fresh concerns over the company’s future. While the app is still available on the Play Store, users are unable to book rides or select dates and time slots, effectively suspending its core operations in many areas.
JSW in talks with China, Korea for EV battery tech
In a strategic move to gain greater control over its electric vehicle (EV) supply chain, JSW Group is in discussions with Chinese and South Korean firms to acquire battery cell technology. This step is critical for the group’s EV ambitions, as battery cells remain the only major component not currently manufactured in India.
Satellite-based GPS highway toll collection to start this month, says Gadkari
Fastags are soon to be a thing of the past with the new satellite-based toll collection system set to replace them. The older Fastag toll collection system has been marred with a lot of controversies apparently and needed a revisit. Called the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), it is far more technologically advanced than the existing Fastag.
Gensol promoters Anmol Singh, Puneet Singh Jaggi step down after Sebi order; co denies talk of merger or sale
From a Camellias flat to crores for family: How the Jaggi brothers diverted loan funds meant for BluSmart’s EVs
NHEV eyeing east and west corridors for expansion, says Abhijit Sinha
 
📝  India considering local value-addition criteria for auto parts exports to EU, UK, and US
📝  Tesla-rival Xpeng reveals interest in Indian EV market, keeps ADAS rollout on radar
📝  Auto recap, April 16: MG Hector discounts, Honda Elevate gets 5-star JNCAP rating, new Tesla Model Y testing in India
📝  Indian auto buyers shift gears as quality, direct purchases and innovation lead the way: Deloitte
📝  Delhi EV Policy extended for 3 months, no ban on any vehicles
📝  2025 Tesla Model Y spotted on Indian roads
Read More >>

🚗 ICE Car/SUV

Made-in-India Honda Elevate shines in Japan with 5-star crash test rating
The Honda Elevate, a mid-size SUV manufactured in India and exported to international markets including Japan, has achieved a 5-star safety rating in the Japan New Car Assessment Programme (JNCAP) crash test, reportedCarToq. In Japan, the Elevate is marketed as the WR-V, and this marks the first instance of a Honda vehicle built in India being shipped to the Japanese domestic market.
2025 Skoda Kodiaq set for India debut on April 17 with upgrades: Expected price and what to expect
Skoda Auto India is gearing up to unveil the second-generation Kodiaq in the country on April 17, positioning it as the company’s flagship offering, reported HT Auto. The upcoming model marks a major leap from its predecessor in terms of design, features, and performance, and is expected to enter the Indian market as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) unit.
Mahindra Thar, XUV700 facelifts launch on cards next year
Mahindra has had a massive turnaround in the post Covid era with its new generation vehicles including Thar, XUV700, Scorpio N, XUV 3XO, and Thar Roxx. All these models have been instrumental in Mahindra’s massive rise in sales over the last 3-4 years. The homegrown carmaker has reportedly started developing facelifted models of Thar and XUV700.
Maruti Grand Vitara CNG removed from website, find out why?
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is by far the most popular choice for alternate fuel in India when it comes to mobility. As a result, demand for CNG-kitted vehicles has risen significantly over the last decade. Maruti Suzuki is the undisputed leader in the CNG space of the passenger vehicle industry. 
SUV boom overshadows sedans: Compact, mid-size segments shrink in FY25
 
📝  2025 Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara: New features, variant wise prices explained
📝  Nissan to introduce new ProPILOT system with AI and Lidar by 2027. Will it come to India
📝  ⁠MG Hector gets special benefits up to ₹4 lakh under Midnight Carnival campaign
📝  The Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line: Affordable Performance SUV
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🚗 Luxury

Transforming the luxury experience, BMW Group India expands retail. NEXT in Delhi NCR
Source Credit: ANI, The Tribune
📝  2025 Audi A6 breaks cover globally. Check out features, engine and specifications
📝  BMW Z4 M40i Pure Impulse Edition Debuts in India
Read More >>

⛟ Commercial Vehicles

Isuzu Motors India CV export grows 24 pc to 20,312 units in FY25
Mumbai: Isuzu Motors India on Wednesday said its commercial vehicles (CV) export grew a robust 24 per cent to 20,312 units -- the highest among CV exporters in the country in FY25 -- as against 16,329 units a year earlier.
CV Comeback: Commercial vehicle sales aim for one million after seven-year wait
India’s domestic commercial vehicle (CV) sales are expected to reach nearly one million units in the current financial year, driven by improved infrastructure activity, rising replacement demand, and policy support under the PM-eBus Sewa scheme. The expected volumes would mark a return to the peak levels recorded in fiscal 2019, before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
📝  JBM Auto, Olectra Greentech shares rally up to 11% as Centre plans tender for 10,000 e-buses
Read More >>

🎤 Interviews & Features

Interview: Sumeet Narang, president, marketing, Bajaj Auto
With its flagship Pulsar brand crossing the 2-crore sales milestone, Bajaj Auto has sustained leadership in India’s performance motorcycle segment. At the same time, the company has seen a strong quarter for its EV brand Chetak and is aiming to shake up the electric three-wheeler space with its new Bajaj GoGo. Sumeet Narang, president, marketing, Bajaj Auto, speaks to Geetika Srivastava about how Bajaj is balancing its commuter and premium portfolios, the enduring appeal of the Pulsar, and why value-driven marketing is key to standing out in a complex, price-sensitive market. Edited excerpts:
Top 5 reasons why Indians are hesitant on buying EVs
The global automotive industry is in a transitional phase where traditional combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are slowly but gradually being replaced by cleaner forms of mobility like hybrids or battery electric vehicles (BEVs). In India, this transition has been a lot slower than other developed markets.
Google Trends: Top 5 compact SUVs that are popular in April 2025
SUVs have become popular in India, and every automaker offers more than one in their portfolio. While most new launches have gained popularity, some names remain the most searched on Google, and here are the top five SUVs that have been trending in the last 30 days. We also explain what has made them popular in a market that is filled with so many options.
Kia Syros vs Tata Nexon crash test battle: Which SUV keeps you safer?
Kia Syros is the latest compact SUV to earn a 5-star safety rating from the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP). Under the crash norms, the Syros secured a 5-star rating for Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP). We compare the new Kia vehicle against one of the most popular SUVs in the segment, the Tata Nexon and find out which is a safer bet. 
Kia Syros diesel at fuel economy: Better than you’ve been told?
Kia Syros has been making waves for all the right reasons. Ever since its debut two months ago, the SUV reported 15,986 units. Adding another feather to the Syros’ cap, it became the first made-in-India Kia vehicle to earn a 5-star safety rating under the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP). We decided to decode out what makes the Syros a hot-selling vehicle as we took it out for a spin for our daily commute and whether the diesel automatic is a fuel guzzler or a fuel sipper.
Looking to buy a compact SUV? Here are a few options that can make sense for you
If you've got a nuclear family and are looking to buy a new car that can make your life easier in terms of practicality while being fuel efficient, cost-effective, then a compact SUV might just make sense to you. These kinds of vehicles feature ample ground clearance too, allowing you to fill the vehicle to the brim and still tackle the rough road patches. Compact SUVs also cost less and tend to be more fuel efficient than proper SUVs. The modern ones even offer premium features like seat ventilation, automatic climate control as well as a panoramic sunroof.
📝  Volkswagen Tiguan vs Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line: Differences between the standard and the sportier SUV
📝  Kia Syros vs Skoda Kylaq vs Tata Nexon vs Mahindra XUV 3XO: Which is the safest sub compact SUV
📝  Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line vs BMW X1: How these two premium SUVs stand against each other
Read More >>

🏗 Construction & Agriculture

Indian construction industry to surge 8-10% in FY26: ICRA
ICRA projects the construction industry's operating income (OI) to grow by 8-10per cent Y-o-Y in FY26, driven by a solid order book position and the low base of FY25. The aggregate order book to operating income ratio for ICRA's sample set is estimated at approximately 3.5 times as of March 31, 2025, indicating positive growth prospects and revenue visibility. While operating margins are expected to remain steady at 10.5-11.0per cent for both FY25 and FY26. This is supported by relatively stable input prices and the benefits of operating leverage.
Read More >>

🏍 EV/ICE Two Wheelers

Kawasaki KLX230 vs Hero XPulse 210: Which one rules the trails?
Off-road riding is a popular topic now, especially with the launch of the KTM 390 Adventure, followed by the KTM 390 Enduro R, and the launch of the new Hero Xpulse 210. We have also discussed about two interesting motorcycles that will be coming our way soon — the CFMoto 450 MT and the BMW F 450 GS. Now all of them are interesting and capable machines, but we often forget one crucial aspect of off-roading — lightness. And this brings us straight to Kawasaki, the KLX230.
Updated Honda Dio 125 Launched — Here’s what’s new
Honda has launched the 2025 Dio 125 in India, priced at Rs 96,749, ex-showroom. The 2025 Honda Dio 125 is almost Rs 9,000 more compared to the older model, and for the price, the Dio 125 gets some minor updates visually and a major mechanical update. Here are more details.
📝  Royal Enfield ‘Hunterhood’ festival to be held in Delhi, Mumbai: Prices, what to expect
📝  Suzuki GSX-8R Kiiro Edition unveiled. Here are the changes
📝  Hero Super Splendor XTEC and Glamour updated with OBD2B compliant engine. Check details
📝  Kawasaki Ninja 500, Z900 and Ninja 650 get benefits of up to ₹45,000
Read More >>

⚙ Components

📝  EEPC fears drop in engineering exports to US
Read More >>

🌇 Allied Industries

📝  Steel prices likely to rise
Read More >>

🌢 Fuels, Lubricants

Oil prices steady as market considers latest US tariff changes
Oil prices were little changed on Tuesday as investors digested the latest headlines on U.S. President Donald Trump's on-again, off-again tariffs and tried to figure how much the U.S.-China trade war could reduce global economic growth and oil demand.
📝  Govt cut cheaper APM gas supply to CNG retailers IGL, MGL, Adani Total Gas
Read More >>

💸 Finance & Insurance

📝  Higher motor insurance premium this year if more than 2 traffic challans levied last year? Here’s what experts say
Read More >>

📖 Magazines

New Lexus ES to be unveiled on April 23
Toyota-owned Lexus will reveal the eighth-generation ES sedan on April 23, 2025, at the motor show in Shanghai. Lexus has released a series of teasers hinting at the upcoming model’s new design. Its interior, features and powertrain specs will be announced next week.
Toyota Taisor real-world fuel economy tested, explained
The Urban Cruiser Taisor is Maruti Fronx’s mechanically identical twin and available with the same powertrain options: a 1.2-litre petrol with either a 5-speed manual or an automated manual transmission (AMT) and a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter (automatic). We tested the turbo-petrol-manual variant to evaluate its real-world efficiency.
10 bestselling cars of FY25: Only three hatchbacks, one sedan in the list
The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R has maintained its lead on the sales charts for the fourth year in a row, with 1.98 lakh units sold in the fiscal that ended on March 31, 2025 (FY2025). As we reported at the start of the month, the hatchback outsold the Tata Punch by a narrow 1,969-unit margin. However, a look at the top 10 bestsellers for FY2025 shows the continued dominance of SUVs, with just 3 hatchbacks and 1 sedan in the list. Without digressing further, these were the 10 bestselling cars in India in FY2025, based on SIAM’s wholesale numbers.
Kia EV3 wins 2025 World Car of the Year award
The Kia EV3 has bagged the 2025 World Car of the Year (WCOTY) award, which was announced at the New York International Auto Show on April 16, 2025. The other two finalists in the race were the BMW X3 and the Hyundai Inster/ Casper Electric. 
New Skoda Kodiaq Sportline vs L&K: how are they different?
The 2025 Skoda Kodiaq, the brand’s flagship SUV in India, is available in base Sportline and top-spec L&K (Laurin and Klement) variants. While the two share a common powertrain, they differ quite a lot when it comes to exterior and interior features. As for the Kodiaq's variant-wise price list, it will be revealed on April 17. Keep reading to discover the differences in the Skoda SUV's variants.
Moto Morini X-Cape 700 unveiled overseas
Moto Morini X-Cape 650, launched towards the end of 2022 in India, came in two variants – the X-Cape 650 and X-Cape 650X. Now, the company has unveiled its successor, the X-Cape 700. Here’s what’s new about it.
Continental GT-R will be the first Royal Enfield 750cc bike
It's no secret that Royal Enfield is working on a larger 750cc engine platform – codenamed ‘R’ – and we can now exclusively report that the first bike with this larger motor will be the Continental GT-R. Codenamed R1E, the Continental GT-R will be a fully faired cafe racer that will likely debut before the end of the current financial year.  
Honda Dio 125 price starts at Rs 96,749 with OBD2B compliance
Honda has updated the Dio 125 to meet the latest OBD2B emission norms. The bigger Dio has also received the 4.2-inch TFT display that’s fast becoming common among other Honda commuter bikes and scooters. 
New Audi A6 sedan revealed as brand’s most aerodynamic ICE car
Audi has pulled the covers off the sixth-generation A6 sedan. Last month, the German carmaker unveiled the A6 in estate form, and now, the sedan derivative has broken cover. Just like its estate counterpart, the new A6 sedan is underpinned by Volkswagen’s Premium Platform Combustion (PPC). It’s worth noting that while the all-electric A6 e-tron shares the same name, it leverages the Premium Platform Electric skateboard.
Read More >>

📰 International

Xiaomi will not bring new YU7 to China's largest auto show
Xiaomi does not plan to showcase its upcoming YU7 electric SUV at China's largest auto show next week, deflating widespread anticipation among visitors keen to catch a glimpse of the would-be challenger to Tesla's Model Y.
Fast-charging battery firm Nyobolt raises $30 million for expansion
UK fast-charging battery technology company Nyobolt has raised $30 million to expand its business in autonomous warehouse robots and heavy duty vehicles and move into new markets including mainstream electric vehicles, it said on Wednesday.
US president considers a pause on auto tariffs
Trump Monday suggested he might temporarily exempt the auto industry from tariffs he previously imposed on the sector, to give carmakers time to adjust their supply chains. "I'm looking at something to help some of the car companies with it," Trump said in Oval Office.
Teslas first-quarter registrations in California fell 15%, industry data shows
Tesla's electric-vehicle registrations in California dropped 15.1% during the first quarter, according to industry data, signaling an accelerated decline and growing challenges for the Elon Musk-led automaker in the crucial U.S. market.
Lucid says it is on track to enter midsize electric SUV market next year
Lucid is on track to launch its midsize electric SUV in 2026, company executives said on Tuesday, as the EV maker looks to tap an increasingly competitive segment dominated by rival Tesla's bestselling Model Y crossover.
Kia launches AI-powered voice assistant in European market
Kia's AI Assistant is designed to transform how users interact with their vehicles and allows for more intuitive and natural conversations, making it easier for drivers to learn about and utilise the car's advanced features. The system's enhanced intelligence enables it to understand voice commands and queries, providing relevant information in a smooth and accessible manner.
Ferrari prepared for years for its first EV, says chairman
Ferrari has been preparing for years for electrification, starting with Formula One powertrains, as it nears the launch of its first fully electric (EV) model in October, Chairman John Elkann said on Wednesday.
European shares advance as Trump hints at auto-related tariff relief; LVMH plunges
European shares rose on Tuesday as investors weighed fast-changing U.S. tariff plans, while shares of LVMH slumped after the luxury sector bellwether missed first-quarter sales estimates due to weak sales in the United States and China.
Canada to spare automakers, other sectors from some tariffs on US imports
Canada will allow some relief to domestically-based automakers and manufacturers in specific sectors from counter-tariffs provided they meet certain conditions, the Finance Ministry said on Tuesday.
Barclays downgrades US auto sector due to Trump's tariff policy
Barclays on Tuesday downgraded U.S. autos and mobility sector to "negative" from "neutral", warning that President Donald Trump's tariffs could pressure automakers' earnings and curb investments. The comments echo those cited by Goldman Sachs last week, when the U.S. brokerage cut its estimate for automobile sales in the country for this year by nearly 1 million units.
Major Harley-Davidson shareholder seeks board shake-up
 
📝  Nissan to unveil next-gen autonomous driving technology by FY27
📝  Used Tesla market heats up as owners sell to protest Elon Musk
📝  Trump's tariffs on Chinese parts for Cybercab, Semi disrupt Tesla's US production plans, source says
📝  Nissan to launch advanced self-driving technology 'Pro-PILOT' by FY27
📝  Check out TXAI, Abu Dhabi’s driverless taxis
Read More >>


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